fubo / DIRECTV

May 16, 2025 04:00-04:00

Fubo vs DIRECTV Stream: Which is your best option for a sports streaming package?

A head-to-head comparison between the two streaming platforms to see which is superior for live sport and television channels, and on-demand content

Once upon a time, you could only get your live television, films and shows through a satellite or via actual, physical cable. Nowadays, online streaming has removed the need for any inconvenient installation, with vast libraries of movies, catalogs of shows on demand, and hundreds of TV channels accessible with nothing more than a compatible device and an active internet connection.

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With these tech revolutions came competition, with providers such as Sky, Netflix, Amazon, Paramount+, Disney, and many more, all battling to offer consumers virtually unlimited entertainment at their fingertips, via online streaming. fubo (formerly fuboTV) and DIRECTV are two prime examples of multi-channel streaming services that offer customers a variety of live channels, OD, and multiple add-ons for some of the most well-rounded packages on the market.

But which, if either, is superior?

We’ve previously taken an in-depth look at both providers, with our DIRECTV review and fubo review, but we now explore the finer details of what their no cable or satellite streaming services offer customers. Here at GOAL, we have the lowdown on all aspects for each, and which might be the best fit for you.

fubo
What is fubo?
Fubo (formerly fuboTV) is a service that offers customers hundreds of live television channels and internet, without the need for cables. Instead, it relies on an internet connection to enjoy live, On-demand, and DVR entertainment.
Their national news, local channels, movies, and sports can be accessed via an Amazon Fire stick, AppleTV, or Android TV (Google TV).
In this article, we will be looking specifically at the television entertainment streaming packages on fubo.
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What is DIRECTV Stream?
DIRECTV is known for giving subscribers digital satellite, streaming (DIRECTV Stream), and linear television (traditional scheduled programming) options.
Digital satellite is their main service, with plenty of ways to watch and experience the masses of content available through their streaming deals via their dedicated DIRECTV Stream service.
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How to access them
Both fubo and DIRECTV Stream are primarily available in the United States. Due to licensing agreements, they’re both locked to specific territories (the US as their native location, with fubo also serving Canada and Spain).
Both are accessible elsewhere with the use of a VPN though, so when you are traveling abroad or cross country, for example. But we will cover that further below.

Using a VPN while on the move
For reasons besides keeping your personal details secure online, VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) can be used effectively when travelling abroad or to territories that would usually prevent you from watch the content within these providers because they are geo-restricted.
It’s a handy way to circumvent the restriction issue legally, so there would be no need to worry about not having access to what you want when in a different location to your home one, because an active VPN would solve the problem. You can read more about streaming abroad in our guide to the best VPN to use for streaming online content in 2025.
AFP
Streaming speed matters
And when it comes to watching your content on the move or while travelling, it’s important to connect to a strong network (i.e. use Wi-Fi or broadband that will allow for smooth streaming), in order to enjoy your favourite films, shows, as well as live sports and television channels that you'd normally have access to.
So be sure your Internet connection has the bandwidth for basic streaming capabilities, wherever you are roaming.
fubo
Fubo deals
New customers can get up to $30 off the first month’s subscription on either the Pro or Elite plans, with $35 off their Essential plan. New subscribers to fubo Latino can also get up to $23 off their first month's costs. The two main packages have up to 10 simultaneous streams, whereas the Latino package has up to two.
Package
Channels
Extras
First month
Monthly
Pro
225
Regional Sports
$64.99
$84.99
Elite
296
Additional channels
$74.99
$94.99
Latino
52
N/A
$9.99
$14.99
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Package	Channels	Extras	First month	Monthly
Pro	225	Regional Sports	$64.99	$84.99
Elite	296	Additional channels	$74.99	$94.99
Latino	52	N/A	$9.99	$14.99

DIRECTV / GOAL

DIRECTV Stream deals

There are a few packages to pick from here, with optional add-ons. When signing up to any package, you can get your first two months discounted, with each tier including more channels and additional features.

Package	Channels	Extras	First month	Monthly cost	Monthly Regional Sports fee
Entertainment	90+	Local channels Unlimited DVR	$84.99	$84.99	N/A
Choice	125+	Same as Entertainment, with speciality sports like MLB Network	$59.99	$89.99	$9.99
Ultimate	160+	Same as Choice, more sports and movies, like CBS Sports Network, STARZ Encore	$89.99	$119.99	$9.99
Premier	185+	Same as Ultimate, Max, Paramount+ with SHOWTIME, STARZ, Cinemax	$134.99	$164.99	$9.99

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Fubo benefits
✓ 296 channels in a maxed-out package
✓ Great for sports and non-sports fans alike
✓ Offers family sharing on up to 10 different devices at home
✓ Select national and regional events are available in 4K in higher tier
✓ Includes MLB, NFL, NBA, NHL, NCAA, and tennis coverage
✓ Five-day free trial
✓ ESPN is included
✓ BeIN Sports included
✓ Unlimited DVR
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DIRECTV Stream benefits
✓ Five-day free trial
✓ Discounted periods for each plan
✓ Excellent local programming coverage
✓ Vast selection of channels
✓ Known for its impressive HD picture quality
✓ Special offers on premium channels
✓ Unlimited Cloud DVR
✓ No contract required
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fubo / DIRECTV
Which is best?
Both services offer a substantial selection of channels, on-demand access and accompanying features, with a varied price range that shoots up the more you add.
While DIRECTVstream has bilingual packages and ones that accommodate well for your budget, their top-end deals are rather pricey. On the other hand, fubo offers customers a massive choice of regional and national channels, a larger first-month discount, and has a lower price point overall.
The two services offer huge choice for sports coverage and regular TV entertainment, so it really boils down to which specific sports and channels you want and how much you are willing to pay for it.
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Frequently asked questions

Fubo (formerly fubo TV) has a number of plans: Pro, Elite, Deluxe and Sports, with a Latino package at a fraction of the cost and for a lot less channels. Add-ons are also available, if you wish to add more sports and entertainment to your package.

No, Fubo is a completely different and independent streaming provider to Amazon.

While Fubo has plenty of sports options, it lacks the Warner Bros. Discovery channels, meaning you can't watch TNT, TBS, and TruTV, which are crucial for some MLB and NBA games and other popular content.

Yes, payments are taken monthly unless you opt for a quarterly payment setup.

Yes, Fubo is available to use on a Fire Stick, as well as a number of other devices, including Roku.

Yes, you can watch Fubo on your television, by installing the app onto your Smart TV or via a web browser that's connected to your TV.

Yes, you can watch up to 10 simultaneous streams from your home location on various devices connected to your home Wi-Fi, and on three additional mobile devices from various locations away from your home.

Prices tend to rise annually, but Fubo does operate a one-year price lock guarantee.

No, Fubo doesn't give refunds for this, but doesn't lock you in to annual contract either.

Fubo could be down due to a number of reasons, such as internet connectivity, app problems or even a service outage.

Check the Wi-Fi or home broadband you're connected to to see if there's an issue there. You can try updating or reinstalling the app, as well as checking there isn't an electrical outage in the area by testing other equipment or, specifically, other devices or apps that connect to the same internet.

There's a good chance your internet speed isn't fast enough, especially if you are experiencing buffering while streaming.

Check there's nothing blocking or interfering with the internet hub or router, so the signal isn't being disrupted.

Optionally, you can lower the picture quality if you are experiencing buffering, which may help it to run smother.

This could be because the service is geo-restricted, meaning you cannot use it outside of the United States or area you are trying to access specific local channels.

Using a VPN is a way to circumvent the issue, as Fubo is generally region and country specific.

Best value subscriptions

What is fubo?

What is DIRECTV Stream?

How to access them

Using a VPN while on the move

Streaming speed matters

Fubo deals

DIRECTV Stream deals

Fubo benefits

DIRECTV Stream benefits

Which is best?

Frequently asked questions